St. Francis de Sales

Regional Catholic School

Herkimer, NY 

Faculty of St. Francis de Sales Regional Catholic School

Faith ~ Respect ~ Family Values ~ Academic Excellence
Mrs. Erin View
Mrs. Karen Vincent
I have been teaching pre-K part time at St. Francis since 2012. It has been such an honor to join Mrs. Erin View in the pre-K program I have so admired and sent my four children to. I have a BA from SUNY Potsdam in Elementary Education with a concentration in early childhood. I stayed home with my children for many years, and was very happy to find a position at St. Francis when my youngest was ready for school. All my children have been educated at St. Francis de Sales (my youngest is currently attending), and this wonderful school has been such a blessing to our family. 
The children, through play, learn about the world around them and forming positive relationships with their peers. I enjoy sharing good children's literature, art projects and our Catholic faith with the children for part of their school day.  
Sister Bartholomew
Mrs. Cathy Bush
I have taught first grade at St. Francis for more than twenty years, and have thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes and I enjoy sharing my love of literature with my students, encouraging a lifelong love of reading in them. Children at this age are enthusiastic and excited about learning which helps create a positive classroom environment for all of us.

Being able to share my faith in God and partner with parents to instill Christian values in their children has been an important part of my teaching career. Each child is a unique gift from God and each of my students has touched my heart in a special way. I feel truly blessed to have been part of the St. Francis family for so many years.
Mrs. Diana Astafan
I am a 1976 graduate of SUNY Oswego with a degree in Elementary Education and a teaching certificate for nursery through sixth grade. I started teaching at St. Francis De Sales School in 1978, beginning with 6th grade, followed by 5th grade and 3rd grade. I am currently teaching 2nd grade where I have been for the last 15+ years. As the 2nd grade teacher, I have had the additional responsibility of preparing my students, as well as the public school children, for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Currently, Mrs. View (pre-K) is co-teaching the Faith Formation students with me. I am happily married to Louis Jr. for 34 years now. Our children, Danielle and Louie, attended St. Francis De Sales School, kindergarten through 8th grade. As a family, we believe in this school - a quality education, where faith, and values are an integral part of a students' personal growth.
Ms. Gaworecki
I have taught at St. Francis de Sales School for almost 30 years. I first received my Bachelor of Science degree from Buffalo State University College. I receved a BS degree in Education for grades up to 9th with an extension in both Math and Science. After staying home to raise my 3 children, I returned to college to earn my Masters of Science degree in Reading from SUNY Cortland for grades K-12. I have also taken numerous contiuing education courses. I have many credit hours in CASAC Education (Certified Alcohol Substance Abuse Counciling) as well. I have 3 adult children who graduated from St. Francis de Sales and have gone on to earn their Masters or Doctorate degrees in various professional fields. I love working at St. Francis de Sales School because we are a family, sharing our religious beliefs and trust in God. I believe that we pass this on to the children we teach, not only in Religion class, but through the values we teach every day.
Mrs. Deb McCarthy
I have taught at St. Francis de Sales School for over 30 years. It is truly my home away from home. I am so fortunate to have met so many wonderful families over the years. Working with children is my joy in life. I love their curiosity, eagerness, and sense of adventure and fun. They keep me young!

I graduated from SUNY Geneseo and then completed my 30 hours of course work to receive my permanent certification. I continue to take professional development courses every year to keep up with the changes in education and I'm always looking for fresh new ideas. 

St. Francis de Sales School has a special place in my heart. 
Miss. Kristie Ladd
Teaching at St. Francis since 2014 - Grade 5 & 6 ELA, Science 5, and Religion 5.

I feel so privileged to have joined the St. Francis de Sales family this year. Catholic education was a huge part of my upbringing, so I am very excited to have this opportunity. I hold a B.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta concentrating in Social Studies as well as an M.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Albany focusing in Literacy. My passion is creating as many real-life experiences and exposure as possible with my main goal to help mold children into responsible selfless, and caring individuals that will make the world a better place. I am so lucky to call this school my 'home away from home' with wonderful faculty, staff and students.
Mrs. Franco
I have been teaching at St. Francis de Sales since 1987. I started at St. Francis teaching 7th & 8th grade Social Studies with the 6th grade homeroom. For the last 4 years I have been part-time teaching grades 3 - 6 Social Studies and grade 6 Science with no homeroom. I have three children all of whom graduated from the 8th grade here at St. Francis de Sales School.  
Mrs. Mary Farber-Peck
I taught business at Herkimer High School for 20 years. Now teaching Computers Classes at Herkimer County Community College and teaching Computer Classes K-6th at St Francis de Sales. I have two children, John and Joshua who both graduated from St Francis.
Ms. Donna Dillman
I receved my NYS Teachers Certification and a B.A. in English and Education from SUC at Geneseo and my Masters degree from SUNY Cortland. I taught in the Utica City Schools until my sons were born. Since then I have taught pribate piano lessons and continue to do so. I taught Music here at St. Francis de Sales School from 2000 until 2004. I left to work at a nursing home doing Music activities. I am very happy to return as a Music Teacher this year. St. Francis feels like home and I enjoy working with this dedicated group of teachers in educating and hopefully enriching the lives of students here.
St. Francis de Sales Regional Catholic School ~ 220 Henry Street ~ Herkimer ~ New York ~ 13350
                                       Phone: (315) 866-4831     Email: [email protected]